It is the parents’ role to mold their children into the best they could possibly be. This, however, is the subject of much discussion and misinterpretation. Molding and shaping your child to be the best does not mean that you get to have your own way. Each person is born to this world with specific skills. As he grows, he also develops new skills and starts having his own preferences in just about anything in this world. Raising your child should be all about helping him harness his potentials and use his God-given tools so that he can become the person he wants to be. Respecting your child’s individuality is important in this process.
Do not impose your own wants on your children. Some parents would have their children pursue paths that they were not allowed to take during their youth. The children might not necessarily be as passionate about these interests as their parents are. To help you with your stab at respecting your child’s individuality, the following tips should point you to the right direction:
1. Acknowledge his skills and capabilities. Use your powers of observation to determine your child’s interests. Even at a young age, children often exhibit behaviour that indicate particular preference for specific activities. This will tell you what skills and capabilities your child has and what you can help him with in terms of developing these gifts.
2. Be generous with praises. Don’t skimp on telling your kids that you are proud of them. Find something praiseworthy even in the little things that they do. This will help him build the self-confidence he needs.
3. Be constructive with criticisms. Putting your kids down is never part of your job description as a parent. You do, however, want to let them know what their mistakes are. This should be done in a constructive rather than a critical manner. Let him understand too that you will be there to help him change for the better. Even if you have a grand plan for the adult that you want your child to turn into, you cannot discount the possibility that his skills, talents, and preferences could make him more successful in some other field of interest. By respecting your child’s individuality, you are actually helping your child to become happy with the success he is able to achieve in his chosen realm.
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David Castillo Dominici – FreeDigitalPhotos.Net